COVID-19 Update for Jan. 14: Online delivery of lecture and theory classes extended to at least Febr


Posted: Jan 14, 2022 9:15 AM   |  Updated: Mar 10, 2022 1:49 PM

COVID-19 Update for Jan. 14: Online delivery of lecture and theory classes extended to at least February 25

Posted: Jan 14, 2022 9:15 AM   |  Updated: Mar 10, 2022 1:49 PM

Due to the ongoing rise of COVID-19 Omicron cases in Alberta, we have made the decision to continue with the online delivery of lecture and theory classes until at least February 25, 2022. We are unable to provide appropriate physical distancing in these learning spaces, and therefore the risks of returning to campus at this time outweigh the benefits.

This decision will minimize disruptions and enable students and staff to plan their activities for the coming weeks. There is no impact to in-person shops and labs, which are continuing as scheduled with enhanced safety measures.

We will make a decision about the remainder of the term in February. If you have questions about your schedule and deadlines, visit your MyNAIT portal Self Service, Manage Classes section.

As we have throughout the pandemic, we are taking steps to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19 on our campuses. The health and safety of the community continues to be our priority so those working and learning on campus can feel confident they are in the safest environment possible. 

Enhanced safety measures have been put in place for shops and labs that require in-person participation to meet learning outcomes. These include limiting the number of people on campus, introducing face shields in shops and labs where appropriate and, where possible, reducing class/cohort sizes and increasing distancing. 

Changes to student service delivery

We are also continuing to review where we can provide services on campus while maintaining appropriate physical distancing. Later this month, some student services that cannot be offered virtually will be available on campus with enhanced safety measures and in compliance with provincial health and safety guidelines. View the Facilities and Services page for up-to-date information on accessing these services.

Maintaining a safe and healthy campus

Please come to campus only if it is necessary for scheduled labs, shops or classes, or to access on-campus services. We ask that you use online collaboration tools for group work, maintain physical distancing in common areas and eat only in designated areas while limiting the amount of time spent in those spaces.

Everyone is responsible for helping prevent the spread of COVID-19, both on and off campus. We remind the NAIT community to continue to follow provincial public health guidelines and screen for symptoms every day before coming to campus and stay home if you are sick.

If symptoms occur, you should isolate and get tested if you are eligible for PCR testing or use an at-home rapid test if you have one available. We recognize that testing is currently limited in Alberta and that not everyone will have the ability to take a test. Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 and has been on campus in the previous 14 days needs to complete an incident report through MyCority.   

You are legally required to isolate if you test positive or have core symptoms of COVID-19 that are not related to a pre-existing illness or health condition. Here is what to know about when you can safely return to campus:  

  • If you test negative, you are required to isolate until your symptoms resolve.  
  • If you are fully vaccinated and test positive for COVID-19, you are required to isolate for 5 days from the start of symptoms or until they resolve (whichever is longer).
  • If you are not fully vaccinated and test positive for COVID-19, you are required to isolate for 10 days from the start of symptoms or until they resolve (whichever is longer).

If you are sick and unsure of your requirement to isolate, you can check the AHS isolation chart or contact 811 for information and clarification.

NAIT is here for you

The recent, rapid spread of the Omicron variant has added additional uncertainty and we are aware of the impact this added stress can have on your well-being and mental health. We encourage you to reach out for any support you need

Thank you for your patience and resilience as we continue to respond to the ever-changing realities of the pandemic.  

We are committed to keeping the NAIT community updated and will share more information with you as soon as possible. Meanwhile, you can find the latest information on NAIT’s response to COVID-19 at nait.ca/Covid19.

Thank you for doing your part to keep the NAIT community safe, healthy and kind.

View all updates related to this incident